The month of October has many observances related to health, health care and more. Here is a brief list of observances and helpful information to keep you in the know:

National Dental Hygiene Month

Practicing good dental hygiene – which includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing regularly and getting routine dental checkups and cleanings – can help prevent problems that affect more than just your smile. Unfortunately, some kids don’t have access to the dental care they need. But Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is on a mission to change this by hitting the road with its mobile van, “Miles of Smiles,” which brings dental services right to children by visiting the schools they attend. Learn more here.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 3,400 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths. Follow these six must-know sleep guidelines to keep your baby safe throughout the first year of their life.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Should you be getting screened for breast cancer? Find out here.

Liver Cancer Awareness Month

Patients with liver cancer often present complex clinical challenges that require a highly individualized treatment approach. At LVHN, we offer the collaborative care model patients need to have the best shot of beating liver cancer. Learn more here.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome because they have more to love about them. But when it comes to their health, this extra chromosome demands special care and support services – all of which can be found at LVHN’s LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic.

National Physical Therapy Month

Imagine if physical therapy were more like a game where you sharpened your balance while weight shifting through a winding path, catching butterflies or slalom skiing? That’s exactly what’s happening at LVHN. See why using virtual reality has been a game changer for helping patients heal.

Oct. 6-11: National Midwifery Week

What exactly is a certified nurse-midwife? Great question. Midwife Christina Felten, CNM, DNP, with LVPG Midwifery–Pond Road, answers this question and more here.

Oct. 8: National Walk and Bike to School Day

While walking or biking to school is a great way for kids to get more exercise into their day, children can find themselves in a dangerous situation if they’re not careful. Study up on how you can help keep your school-age child safe while traveling to and from school on foot or by bicycle.

Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

How are you really doing? Today, take a moment to check in with yourself, looking out for these warning signs that your mental well-being needs attention and TLC.

Oct. 18: National Mammography Day

While you may know that mammograms are the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer, you may not realize how often you should get one or what you should consider before and during your appointment. Here are the do’s and don’ts you need to know about this lifesaving screening test.

Oct. 25: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Properly discarding unused medications is the best way to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Keep an eye out for area police departments that are holding drug take back events. Visit the Drug Enforcement Agency’s website to search by ZIP code.

If you are unable to attend drug drop-off events, you may drop off medication at secure drop boxes at any time. Drop boxes can be found in LVHN hospital locations in Lehigh County.

Locations:

LVH–Cedar Crest
1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd.
Allentown, Pa.
Outside the pharmacy

LVH–17th Street
1627 W. Chew St.
Allentown, Pa.
Main entrance, near the gift shop

LVH–Muhlenberg
2545 Schoenersville Road
Bethlehem, Pa.
Outside the pharmacy

Items accepted at drop boxes include: prescription and over-the-counter medications, samples, vitamins, prescription ointments and patches, and pet medications.

Items not accepted include: syringes, needles, sharps or other sharp objects, medications from businesses and clinics, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide and thermometers.